Harley Louis Becker

Harley Louis Becker. In the early morning hours of January 17th, 2026, Harley passed peacefully in his home near Circle, MT surrounded by family members following a brief battle with cancer. He was 72 years old at the time having been born in Wolf Point, MT on June 14th, 1953 to parents LeRoy and Beryl Becker.

Harley grew up on the family farm west of Circle along with his older sister Cindy and younger brother Scott. Following graduation from Circle High School in 1971, he attended Montana State University for a brief period before hiring on with the Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative in 1972 as a member of their construction crew. He could not have known then that thirty-nine years later, in 2011, he would retire from Mid-Rivers after having served as a telephone lineman and supervisor in Circle for his entire career. If you lived in or near McCone County during that time and had troubles with your telephone, satellite dish, cable television, or internet connection; it is very likely that you received a visit from Harley to help resolve the issue. Remember the old phone booth up at the lake along Highway 24 located at the turnoff to Nelson Creek? Yep, he helped install that.

On August 31st of 1974, Harley married Jackie Murphy, kicking off a 51-year marriage and life together in their home on the hillside just north of town. Harley and Jackie had two sons, Rory (1976) and Bryan (1978), both of whom graduated from Circle High School. Every morning, he made sure there was a hot breakfast for his family which usually consisted of homemade deer sausage and sourdough pancakes from a starter that was for sure old enough to vote.

Harley was also known for his commitment to attending his kids' baseball, football, track, and basketball games, having missed less than a handful of the contests across all those years. This dedication continued with his grandchildren, where volleyball and wrestling were added to the list, being a regular attendee at their Circle Wildcat sporting events whether at home or away.
Harley was dedicated to supporting not only his family, but also the wider community. For 14 years Harley served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the McCone Ambulance Association, later the Redwater Valley Ambulance Service. He also served at the state level as an EMT instructor for the State of Montana. Harley was instrumental in improving the rural ambulance service through fundraising for better equipment, radios, and a new ambulance. Additional community activity includes Harley's service as a deacon and song leader in the First Baptist Church of Circle for many years.

Whether through fishing, bowling, hunting, or playing cards; Harley deeply enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends. He loved the activities themselves, but knew they were best when shared with others. Getting together for these pastimes kept Harley active and engaged well into retirement where he spent winters with Jackie and many new friends down in Yuma, Arizona. Harley will be remembered for his quick wit and ability to make you laugh, which made his day.

Harley L. Becker is preceded in death by his parents LeRoy Becker and Beryl Becker Zahn. He is survived by his wife Jackie Becker; sons Rory (Elizabeth) Becker of La Grande, OR and Bryan (Denni) Becker of Circle; siblings Cindy (David) Liese of Minnesota and Scott (Konny) Becker of Circle, six grandchildren Tyler, Ashley, Cole, Bryce, Nora, and Riley and three great grandchildren Colt, Hayden, and Flint along with numerous extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family requests memorials be made to Redwater Valley Ambulance Association or the charity of your choice